Circuits (Unit 4) Flashcards
What is electrical force?
When objects interact with each other based on their charge. The objects can push or
pull one another.
What happens when two like charges/poles are near each other?
They repel against each other.
What happens when two opposite charges/poles are near each other?
They attract.
What are atoms?
A basic unit of matter
What is a subatomic particle?
Particles that make up an atom. Neutrons, protons, electrons.
What is a neutron?
A subatomic particle with neutral charge
What is a proton?
A subatomic particle with positive charge
What is an electron?
A subatomic particle with negative charge
What is a valence electron?
The outermost electron in an atom
What is a series circuit?
A circuit with only one path for electrons or energy to flow through
What is a conductor
A material that allows electricity to flow
What is a conductor example?
Metals (Copper, Aluminum, Iron, etc.)
What is a insulator?
A material that prohibits electricity from flowing
What is an insulator example?
Wood, plastic, cotton, glass, etc.
What is a current
The flow of electricity
What do you need to make a circuit?
A battery, wires, and a load
What does a battery do?
Provide the energy source that pushes electric charges around a
circuit. They have a positive and negative side
What are wires?
Conductive material that allow electrons to travel
What is a load?
A device in which, when electrons pass through it, transfer that
energy from electrical to light and heat
What is a switch?
A device used to open and close a circuit
What are the Ohm’s Law equations?
V = I x R
I = V/R
R = V/I
What is current?
The speed of the flow of electrons
What is resistance?
How difficult it is for electrons to move through the circuit
What is voltage?
The amount of energy provided to the circuit by the power source
Why does the copper wire have to be coiled on an electromagnet?
The coiled wire allows for electrons to rapidly flow through it and spin in the same direction which magnetizes the metal core
